Sweden Triumph over France in Euro 2012 Group D, Still Go Home

June 19, 2012, Tuesday // 11:39

Photo from uefa.com

Sweden have triumphed 2:0 over France in their last match in Euro 2012 Group D.

France limped into the knockout round of Euro 2012 despite a 2-0 loss to Sweden in their final group game, showing just how much the team still needs to improve to be true contenders in the tournament. The French finished second in Group D after England beat Ukraine 1-0, and will face Spain on Saturday in the quarterfinals.

France’s 23-game unbeaten streak came to a crashing end as the already-eliminated Swedes exposed frailties in the back four and neutralized the dual attacking threat of Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery.

The Swedes dominated proceedings for much of the game and Zlatan Ibrahimovic broke the deadlock with a piece of artistry in the 54th minute, sending a spectacular volley past helpless goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Sweden had plenty of chances to add a second before Sebastian Larsson finally did in injury time to secure the team’s first points of the tournament.

England finished with seven points, while France had four and Ukraine and Sweden bowed out with three each.

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